Fatal Flip-Flops for Summer

This is the time of year when women are thinking about putting on their swimsuits, grabing their beach gear and heading off to sea or the pool. The chances are that many will also be wearing a pair of flip-flops.

This humble rubber-soled shoe was voted 14th in a list of Top 20 Fashion Inventions, recently carried out by Debenhams, by interviewing 3,000 women. Ahead of flip-flops in the shoe stakes came stilettos, with trainers being placed in 20th position.

Whilst flip-flops certainly have its supporters, that favorite of summer footwear has come in for some bad press during the last few years. BBC News, ABC news and Forbes all recently carried articles about the dangers of flip flops. In its article “experts warn of flip-flop hazards,” of 4th September 2005, the BBC points out that those who wear them for more than just the beach risk accidents caused by them slipping off. The Society of Chiropodists also warns that driving in them is potentially even more dangerous, as the shoes have a tendency to move and get caught in the pedals.

The Hidden Dangers of Flip-Flops

The ABC news article “Flip-Flops Be Gone!” of 22nd August 2007, reports on a number of stories of readers who have fallen foul of the flip flop by breaking ankles, obtaining serious injury , or long-term foot problems. Forbes tells us that flip-flops don’t hold the feet like other shoes do, so there is nothing to hold or support the foot or ankle. Dr John E Mancuso, a Manhattan Podiatrist says that, "Because this footwear has a spongy sole, when the foot hits the ground, it rolls inwards and the sponge allows it to roll more than usual, which causes many problems in the foot."

With continued long-term use, flip flops can damage our health. Short-term use like wearing them for the beach or around the pool is fine (providing you are careful); but if you start to replace your normal walking shoes with flip-flops, then you could be asking for trouble.

ABC news quotes, Dr Rock Positano, podiatrist at New York’s hospital for special surgery as saying that "flip-flops have single-handedly caused more problems with people’s feet in the last couple of years than probably any other type of shoe." The doctor equated the wearing of flip-flops as being “no better than walking on a rubber band.”

This means that this most underplayed of beach footwear gives the stiletto a break, as high-heels appear more obvious culprits. When told by her doctor that flip-flops were the cause of all her foot complaints, Laura DePrizo could not believe her ears. She had previously blamed the gym, running or any other plausible explanation, but never her flip-flops.

Another danger area is the thong-type, where the flip-flop is held on with the thong between the big and second toe. This can cause blisters through rubbing, and aggravate athlete’s foot. As it is easy for the soles of your feet to slip, avoid wearing them when walking over rocks or uneven ground, to minimize the chances of cutting your heel or other areas of the foot.

Flip-Flops for Short-term Use

Whilst the short-term use of flip-flops is acceptable, experts warn of the dangers of wearing them for the whole day, or in replace of your normal footwear. Bear in mind that although, great for protecting your feet from the hot sand on the beach, and hot concrete around the pool; the rubber or plastic soles are slippery once wet, with either sweat or water, and it is very easy to twist your ankle due to the lack of grip.

Alternative Footwear to Flip-Flops

An full jelly shoe may be the best alternative on and around the beach. This more practical rubber shoe encases the foot and therefore you have a little more support and grip. Rubber windsurfing shoes are also becoming popular on the beach, especially in areas where your feet need more protection and need to be worn in the water.

Flip Flops Can Cause Long-Term Foot Problems

A Full Jelly Shoe Gives More Support

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